Solar module interconnect

ABSTRACT

A solar module can include a first and second solar cell having front sides which face the sun during normal operation and back sides opposite the front sides. In an embodiment, a first interconnect can be coupled to the back sides of both the first and second solar cell, where the first interconnect comprises an anodized region facing substantially the same direction as the front sides.

BACKGROUND

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar cells, are devices forconversion of solar radiation into electrical energy. Generally, solarradiation impinging on the surface of, and entering into, the substrateof a solar cell creates electron and hole pairs in the bulk of thesubstrate. The electron and hole pairs migrate to p-doped and n-dopedregions in the substrate, thereby creating a voltage differentialbetween the doped regions. The doped regions are connected to theconductive regions on the solar cell to direct an electrical currentfrom the solar cell to an external circuit. When PV cells are combinedin an array such as a PV module, the electrical energy collect from allof the PV cells can be combined in series and parallel arrangements toprovide power with a certain voltage and current.

Solar cells can be interconnected together in series via interconnectsto provide a string of solar cells, which in turn can be connected inseries to form a solar module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the back sides of example solar cells connectedtogether by an interconnect, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates the front sides of the solar cells of FIG. 1,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates the back sides of example of solar cells connectedtogether by a plurality of interconnects, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates the front sides of the solar cells of FIG. 3,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates the back sides of example of solar cells connectedtogether by another interconnect, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the front sides of the solar cells of FIG. 5,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the solar cells of FIGS.1-6, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates the back sides of example solar cells connectedtogether by a conductive foil, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates the front sides of the solar cells of FIG. 8,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates the back sides of example of solar cells connectedtogether by another conductive foil, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates the front sides of the solar cells of FIG. 10,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the solar cells of FIGS.8-11, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter of theapplication or uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word“exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily tobe construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description.

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or contextfor terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps.

“Configured To.” Various units or components may be described or claimedas “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts,“configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that theunits/components include structure that performs those task or tasksduring operation. As such, the unit/component can be said to beconfigured to perform the task even when the specified unit/component isnot currently operational (e.g., is not on/active). Reciting that aunit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks isexpressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, forthat unit/component.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labelsfor nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering(e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, reference to a“first” interconnect does not necessarily imply that this interconnectis the first interconnect in a sequence; instead the term “first” isused to differentiate this interconnect from another interconnect (e.g.,a “second” interconnect). As used wherein, interconnects can be a metal,e.g. an aluminum interconnect, which connect a solar cell to anothersolar cell. In an embodiment, the interconnect can electrically and/orstructurally connect at least two solar cells together.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such aphrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being basedon C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

“Coupled”—The following description refers to elements or nodes orfeatures being “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expresslystated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/node/feature isdirectly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicateswith) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically.

“Inhibit”—As used herein, inhibit is used to describe a reducing orminimizing effect. When a component or feature is described asinhibiting an action, motion, or condition it may completely prevent theresult or outcome or future state completely. Additionally, “inhibit”can also refer to a reduction or lessening of the outcome, performance,and/or effect which might otherwise occur. Accordingly, when acomponent, element, or feature is referred to as inhibiting a result orstate, it need not completely prevent or eliminate the result or state.

In addition, certain terminology may also be used in the followingdescription for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intendedto be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”,and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference ismade. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “outboard”, and“inboard” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of thecomponent within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which ismade clear by reference to the text and the associated drawingsdescribing the component under discussion. Such terminology may includethe words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and wordsof similar import.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth,such as specific operations, in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known techniques are not described in detail in order tonot unnecessarily obscure embodiments of the present disclosure.

This specification first describes an example solar cell interconnectthat can include an anodized region, followed by a more detailedexplanation of various embodiments of an interconnect having anodizedregions. Various examples are provided throughout.

Turning to FIG. 1, an example of solar cells connected together by afirst interconnect having an anodized region is shown, according to someembodiments. In an embodiment, FIG. 1 shows the solar cells 102, 104from back sides of the solar cells 102, 104, where the solar cells 102,104 can have front sides which face the sun during normal operation andback sides is opposite the front sides. As shown, the solar cells 102,104 in the example of FIG. 1 are pad-less solar cells in that the n andp fingers do not terminate into pads as opposed to solar cells havingpads (e.g., 3 n-metal pads on one side of the backside of the solar celland 3 p-metal pads on the other side of the backside of the solar cell).In the example pad-less solar cells 102, 104 shown in FIG. 1, the n andp fingers can take up more surface area of the backside of the solarcell, which can result in additional collected current and thereforeadditional efficiency.

In an embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can connect a first solarcell 102 to a second solar cell 104. In one embodiment, to connectpad-less solar cells 102, 104 together, a tab-less interconnect can beused, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the firstinterconnect 110 can be welded to metal regions 121, 123 of the solarcells 102, 104. In some embodiments, the metal regions of the solarcells 102, 104 can be disposed above the solar cells, whereas in otherembodiments, the metal regions 121, 123 of the solar cell can extendpast the wafer such that the interconnect is welded to the cell metaloff cell.

In some embodiments, a laser process can be used to weld the firstinterconnect 110 to metal regions 121, 123 of the first and second solarcell 102, 104. In an example, the metal regions 121, 123 can includecontact fingers 122, 124, which as noted above, can extend off wafer ornot extend off wafer.

In one embodiment, first interconnect 110 can be a conductive foil orother type of conductive material. The interconnect can includealuminum, silver, copper, etc. (e.g. an aluminum interconnect). In anembodiment, the first interconnect 110 can be substantially planar withthe metal regions 121, 123 and/or the first and second solar cell 102,104. In an embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can have a layer ofnickel and/or zincate. In one embodiment, the layer of nickel and/orzincate can be formed by a cladding process.

In one embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can include an anodizedregion. For example, the anodized region can be on a side of the firstinterconnect 110 facing the front side of the solar cell.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example solar cells of FIG. 1 as viewed fromfront sides of the solar cells, according to some embodiments. In anembodiment, the first interconnect 110 of FIG. 1 can have an anodizedregion 112. In one embodiment, the anodized region 112 can enhance therigidity and/or provide structural support to the first interconnect110. In an embodiment, the anodized region 112 can inhibit the firstinterconnect 110 from bending or otherwise distorting during processing,such as during the lamination process. In some embodiments, the anodizedregion 112 can insulate the first interconnect 110 (e.g. be aninsulating region).

In one embodiment, the anodized region 112 can have substantially thesame color as a backsheet of a solar module such that when viewed fromthe front of the module, the visible portion of the interconnect (e.g.,the anodized region) blends in, aesthetically speaking, with thebacksheet. In some embodiments, the anodized region 112 can electricallyinsulate portions of the first interconnect. In an embodiment, theanodized region 112 can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet.

Although region 112 is referred to as an anodized region throughout thespecification for ease of understanding, in some embodiments, region 112can instead be a powder-coated region. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can include a polymer coating. In one embodiment,the powder-coated region can enhance the rigidity and/or providestructural support to the first interconnect 110. In some embodiments,the powder-coated region can insulate the first interconnect 110. In anembodiment, the powder-coated region can have substantially the samecolor as a backsheet of a solar module. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet.

In contrast to systems in which a separate material is between thetabbed interconnect and solar cell to accommodate coupling the tabs ofthe interconnect to the pads of the solar cell, the anodized region maynot add substantially to the thickness of the interconnect such that itcan still be substantially coplanar with the solar cell metal.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of solar cells connectedtogether by a plurality interconnects having an anodized regions areshown, according to some embodiments. Unless otherwise specified below,the numerical indicators used to refer to components in FIGS. 3 and 4are similar to those used to refer to components or features in FIGS. 1and 2. Additionally, unless specified otherwise, the description aboveat FIGS. 1 and 2 apply equally to the remaining Figures.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of solar cells connected together bymultiple separate interconnects with anodized regions, for example, afirst, second and third interconnect having anodized regions, accordingto some embodiments. In an embodiment, the first, second and thirdinterconnects 110, 114, 116 can connect a first solar cell 102 to asecond solar cell 104. As shown, the solar cells in the example of FIG.3 are pad-less solar cells, 102, 104.

In an embodiment, the first, second and third interconnects 110, 144,116 can be welded to metal regions 121, 123 of the solar cells 102, 104,which, as was the case above, can be off cell or over the cell. In someembodiments, a laser process can be used to weld the first, second andthird interconnect 110, 114, 116 to metal regions 121, 123 of the firstand second solar cell 102, 104. In an example, the metal regions 121,123 can include contact fingers 122, 124. In one embodiment, first,second and third interconnects 110, 114, 116 can be aluminum. In anembodiment, the first, second and third interconnect 110, 114, 116 canbe substantially planar with the metal regions 121, 123 and/or the firstand second solar cell 102, 104. In one embodiment, to connect pad-lesssolar cells 102, 104 together, tab-less interconnects 110, 114, 116 canbe used, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, thefirst, second and third interconnect 110, 114, 116 can have a layer ofnickel and/or zincate. In one embodiment, the layer of nickel and/orzincate can be formed by a cladding process.

With reference to FIG. 4, the example solar cells of FIG. 3 as viewedfrom front sides of the solar cells are shown, according to someembodiments. In an embodiment, the first, second and third interconnects110, 114, 116 of FIG. 3 can have an anodized region 112. As describedabove, the anodized region 112 can enhance the rigidity and/or providestructural support to the interconnects, can inhibit the interconnectsfrom bending or otherwise distorting, and/or can be configured toinsulate the interconnects (e.g. be an insulating region). In oneembodiment, the anodized region 112 can have substantially the samecolor as a backsheet of a solar module. In an embodiment, the anodizedregion 112 can have substantially the same reflectance as the backsheet.In some embodiments, the anodized region 112 can electrically insulateportions of the first, second and third interconnect 110, 114, 116.

In one embodiment, the anodized region 112 can instead be apowder-coated region. In an embodiment, the powder-coated region caninclude a polymer coating. In one embodiment, the powder-coated regioncan enhance the rigidity and/or provide structural support to the first,second and third interconnect 110, 114, 116. In some embodiments, thepowder-coated region can insulate the first, second and thirdinterconnect 110, 114, 116. In an embodiment, the powder-coated regioncan have substantially the same color as a backsheet of a solar module.In an embodiment, the powder-coated region can have substantially thesame reflectance as the backsheet.

Generally speaking, the pseudo corners of the solar cells can bedifficult to collect current from. In a pad-less solar cell design,instead of having to navigate current from the pseudo corner to a pad,the solar cell metal from the pseudo corner can be coupled to aninterconnect in the diamond region between cells as shown byinterconnects 114 and 116 in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of solar cells connected together bya first interconnect having an anodized region, according to someembodiments. In one embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can have adog-bone shape as shown. FIG. 5 is a similar shape to the example ofFIG. 3 except that it is a single interconnect having that shape ratherthan multiple interconnects collectively having that shape. As shown,the solar cells in the example of FIG. 5 are pad-less solar cells 102,104. In an embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can be welded to metalregions 121, 123 of the solar cells 102, 104. In some embodiments, alaser process can be used to weld the first interconnect 110 to metalregions 121, 123 of the first and second solar cell 102, 104. In anexample, the metal regions 121, 123 can include contact fingers 122,124. In one embodiment, first interconnect 110 can be aluminum. In anembodiment, the first interconnect 110 can be substantially planar withthe metal regions 121, 123 and/or the first and second solar cell 102,104. In one embodiment, to connect pad-less solar cells 102, 104together, a tab-less interconnect can be used, such as the oneillustrated in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the first interconnect 110 canhave a layer of nickel and/or zincate. In one embodiment, the layer ofnickel and/or zincate can be formed by a cladding process.

With reference to FIG. 6, example solar cells of FIG. 5 as viewed fromfront sides of the solar cells are shown, according to some embodiments.As shown, the first interconnect 110 of FIG. 5 can have an anodizedregion 112. In one embodiment, the anodized region 112 can enhance therigidity and/or provide structural support to the first interconnect110. In an embodiment, the anodized region 112 can inhibit the firstinterconnect 110 from bending or otherwise distorting during processing,such as during the lamination process. In some embodiments, the anodizedregion 112 can insulate the first interconnect 110 (e.g. be aninsulating region).

In one embodiment, the anodized region 112 can have substantially thesame color as a backsheet of a solar module. In an embodiment, theanodized region 112 can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet. In some embodiments, the anodized region 112 can electricallyinsulate portions of the first interconnect 110.

Although region 112 is referred to as an anodized region throughout thespecification for ease of understanding, in some embodiments, region 112can instead be a powder-coated region. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can include a polymer coating. In one embodiment,the powder-coated region can enhance the rigidity and/or providestructural support to the first interconnect 110. In some embodiments,the powder-coated region can insulate the first interconnect 110. In anembodiment, the powder-coated region can have substantially the samecolor as a backsheet of a solar module. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the solar cells of FIGS.1-6, according to some embodiments. Unless otherwise specified below,the numerical indicators used to refer to components in FIGS. 1-6 aresimilar to those used to refer to components or features in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the solar cells ofFIGS. 1-6 are shown, according to some embodiments. In an embodiment,the solar cells 102, 104 can be formed in a solar module 100, where thesolar module 100 can include a backsheet 130 and a substantiallytransparent cover 132 (e.g. glass). In one embodiment, the solar module100 can have a front side 101 facing the sun during normal operation anda back side 103 opposite the front side 101. In an embodiment, the frontsides 105 of the solar cells 102, 104 can face substantially the samedirection as the front side 101 of the solar module 100. In anembodiment, the solar cells 102, 104 can also have back sides 107opposite the front sides 105. In an embodiment, a first interconnect 110can connect the first solar cell 102 to the second solar cell 104.

In one embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can have an anodizedregion 112. In an embodiment the anodized region 112 can be locatedbetween the solar cells 102, 104 and the first interconnect 110. In someembodiments, the anodized region 112 can be located on an exposed region131 of the first interconnect 110. In an embodiment, the exposed region131 can be a portion of the first interconnect 110 that can be viewedfrom the front sides 101, 105 of the solar module 100 and/or solar cells102, 104. In one embodiment, a portion 125, 127 of the anodized region112 can be disposed above the first and second solar cells 102, 104 asshown. In an embodiment, the anodized region 112 can inhibit bending orotherwise distorting during processing. In some embodiments, theanodized region 112 can insulate the first interconnect 110.

In an embodiment, the first interconnect 110 can be connected to metalregions 121, 123 of the solar cells 102, 104. In one embodiment, theanodized region 112 can have substantially the same color as a backsheet130 of the solar module 100 such that when viewed from the front of themodule, the visible portion of the interconnect (e.g., the anodizedregion) blends in, aesthetically speaking, with the backsheet 130. In anembodiment, the anodized region 112 can have substantially the samereflectance as the backsheet.

In one embodiment, the anodized region 112 can be substantially black orwhite. In one embodiment, the backsheet 120 can also be substantiallyblack or white. In an embodiment, the anodized region 112 can havesubstantially the same color as the backsheet 130. In an embodiment, theanodized region 112 can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet 130.

Although region 112 is referred to as an anodized region throughout thespecification, the anodized region 112 can instead be a powder-coatedregion. In an embodiment, the powder-coated region can include a polymercoating. In one embodiment, the powder-coated region can enhance therigidity and/or provide structural support to the first interconnect110. In some embodiments, the powder-coated region can insulate thefirst interconnect 110. In an embodiment, the powder-coated region canhave substantially the same color as the backsheet 130 of a solar module100. In an embodiment, the powder-coated region can have substantiallythe same reflectance as the backsheet 130.

Turning to FIG. 8, example of solar cells connected together by aconductive foil having an anodized region are shown, according to someembodiments. In an embodiment, FIG. 8 shows the solar cells 202, 204from back sides of the solar cells 202, 204, where the solar cells 202,204 can have front sides which face the sun during normal operation andback sides is opposite the front sides. In an embodiment, the conductivefoil 210 can connect a first solar cell 202 to a second solar cell 204.As shown, the solar cells 202, 204 in the example of FIG. 8 are pad-lesssolar cells 202, 204. In an embodiment, the conductive foil 210 caninclude contact fingers 222, 224. In one embodiment, conductive foil 210can be aluminum. In an example, the conductive foil 210 can be analuminum foil. In some embodiments, the conductive foil 210 can berolled over from the first solar cell 202 to the second solar cell 204.In some embodiments, a laser process can be used to weld the conductivefoil 210 to the first and second solar cell 202, 204. In an embodiment,the conductive foil 210 can have a layer of nickel and/or zincate. Inone embodiment, the layer of nickel and/or zincate can be formed by acladding process.

FIG. 9 illustrates the example solar cells of FIG. 8 as viewed fromfront sides of the solar cells, according to some embodiments. In anembodiment, the conductive foil 210 of FIG. 8 can have an anodizedregion 212. In one embodiment, the anodized region 212 can enhance therigidity and/or provide structural support to the conductive foil 210.In an embodiment, the anodized region 212 can inhibit the firstinterconnect 210 from bending or otherwise distorting during processing,such as during the lamination process. In some embodiments, the anodizedregion 212 can insulate the first interconnect 210 (e.g. be aninsulating region).

In one embodiment, the anodized region 212 can have substantially thesame color as a backsheet of a solar module such that when viewed fromthe front of the module, the visible portion of the conductive foil(e.g., the anodized region) blends in, aesthetically speaking, with thebacksheet. In an embodiment, the anodized region 212 can havesubstantially the same reflectance as the backsheet.

Although region 212 is referred to as an anodized region throughout thespecification for ease of understanding, in some embodiments, region 212can instead be a powder-coated region. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can include a polymer coating. In one embodiment,the powder-coated region can enhance the rigidity and/or providestructural support to the conductive foil 210. In some embodiments, thepowder-coated region can insulate the conductive foil 210. In anembodiment, the powder-coated region can have substantially the samecolor as a backsheet of a solar module. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet.

Additionally, unless specified otherwise, the description above at FIGS.8 and 9 apply equally to the remaining Figures.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, another example of solar cellsconnected together by a conductive foil having an anodized region areshown, according to some embodiments. Unless otherwise specified below,the numerical indicators used to refer to components in FIGS. 10 and 11are similar to those used to refer to components or features in FIGS. 8and 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of solar cells connected together bya conductive foil having an anodized region, according to someembodiments. In an embodiment, a conductive foil 210 can connect a firstsolar cell 202 to a second solar cell 204. As shown, the solar cells202, 204 in the example of FIG. 10 are pad-less solar cells 202, 204. Inan embodiment, the conductive foil 210 can include contact fingers 222,224. In one embodiment, conductive foil 210 can be aluminum. In someembodiments, the conductive foil 210 can be rolled over from the firstsolar cell 202 to the second solar cell 204.

With reference to FIG. 11, the example solar cells of FIG. 10 as viewedfrom front sides of the solar cells are shown, according to someembodiments. As shown, the conductive foil 210 of FIG. 10 can have ananodized region 212. In one embodiment, the anodized region 212 canenhance the rigidity and/or provide structural support to the conductivefoil 210. In an embodiment, the anodized region 212 can inhibit theconductive foil 210 from bending or otherwise distorting duringprocessing. In some embodiments, the anodized region 212 can insulatethe conductive foil.

In one embodiment, the anodized region 212 can have substantially thesame color as a backsheet of a solar module such that when viewed fromthe front of the module, the visible portion of the conductive foil(e.g., the anodized region) blends in, aesthetically speaking, with thebacksheet. In an embodiment, the anodized region 212 can havesubstantially the same reflectance as the backsheet. In someembodiments, the anodized region 212 can electrically insulate portionsof the conductive foil.

Although region 212 is referred to as an anodized region throughout thespecification for ease of understanding, in some embodiments, region 212can instead be a powder-coated region. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can include a polymer coating. In one embodiment,the powder-coated region can enhance the rigidity and/or providestructural support to the conductive foil 210. In some embodiments, thepowder-coated region can insulate the conductive foil 210. In anembodiment, the powder-coated region can have substantially the samecolor as a backsheet of a solar module. In an embodiment, thepowder-coated region can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet.

With reference to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view of the solar cells ofFIGS. 8-11 are shown, according to some embodiments. Unless otherwisespecified below, the numerical indicators used to refer to components inFIGS. 8-11 are similar to those used to refer to components or featuresin FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the solar cells of FIGS.8-11, according to some embodiments. In an embodiment, the solar cells202, 204 can be formed in a solar module 200, where the solar module 200can include a backsheet 230 and a substantially transparent cover 232(e.g. glass). In one embodiment, the solar module 200 can have a frontside 201 which faces the sun during normal operation and a back side 203opposite the front side 201. In an embodiment, the front sides 205 ofthe solar cells 202, 204 can face substantially the same direction asthe front side 201 of the solar module 200. In an embodiment, the solarcells 202, 204 can also have back sides 207 opposite the front sides205. In an embodiment, the conductive foil 210 can connect the firstsolar cell 202 to the second solar cell 204.

In one embodiment, the conductive foil 210 can have an anodized region212. In an embodiment the anodized region 212 can be located between thesolar cells 202, 204 and the conductive foil 210. In some embodiments,the anodized region 212 can be located on an exposed region 231 of theconductive foil 210. In an embodiment, the exposed region 231 can be aportion of the conductive foil 210 that can be viewed from the frontsides 201, 205 of the solar module 200 and/or solar cells 202, 204. Inone embodiment, a portion 225, 227 of the anodized region 212 can bedisposed above the first and second solar cells 202, 204 as shown. In anembodiment, the anodized region 212 can inhibit bending or otherwisedistorting during processing. In some embodiments, the anodized region212 can insulate the conductive foil 210.

In an embodiment, the conductive foil 210 can be connected tosemiconductor regions 226, 228 of the solar cells 202, 204. In anembodiment, the conductive foil 210 can be substantially planar with thesolar cells 202, 204. In an example, the conductive foil 210 can berolled over the first and second solar cell 202, 204. In one embodiment,the anodized region 212 can be configured to enhance the rigidity and/orprovide structural support to the conductive foil 210.

In one embodiment, the anodized region 212 can be substantially black orwhite. In one embodiment, the backsheet 220 can also be substantiallyblack or white. In an embodiment, the anodized region 212 can havesubstantially the same color as the backsheet 230. In an embodiment, theanodized region 212 can have substantially the same reflectance as thebacksheet 230.

In one embodiment, the anodized region 212 can instead be apowder-coated region. In an embodiment, the powder-coated region caninclude a polymer coating. In one embodiment, the powder-coated regioncan enhance the rigidity and/or provide structural support to theconductive foil 210. In some embodiments, the powder-coated region caninsulate the conductive foil 210. In an embodiment, the powder-coatedregion can have substantially the same color as a backsheet 230 of thesolar module 200. In an embodiment, the powder-coated region can havesubstantially the same reflectance as the backsheet 230.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, theseembodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described withrespect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in thedisclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictiveunless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover suchalternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to aperson skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combinationof features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or anygeneralization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of theproblems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulatedduring prosecution of this application (or an application claimingpriority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular,with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claimsmay be combined with those of the independent claims and features fromrespective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate mannerand not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar module, comprising: first and secondpad-less solar cells having front sides which face the sun during normaloperation and back sides opposite the front sides; and a first tab-lessinterconnect coupled to metal regions of the first and second solarcell, wherein the first tab-less interconnect comprises aluminum and ananodized region facing substantially the same direction as the frontsides.
 2. The solar module of claim 1, further comprising a secondtab-less interconnect coupled to other metal regions of the first andsecond solar cell, wherein the second tab-less interconnect comprisesaluminum and an anodized region facing substantially the same directionas the front sides.
 3. The solar module of claim 1, wherein the firsttab-less interconnect is substantially planar with the metal regions. 4.The solar module of claim 1, wherein the first tab-less interconnectcomprises at least one of nickel or zincate.
 5. The solar module ofclaim 1, wherein the anodized region is an insulating region.
 6. Thesolar module of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the anodizedregion is disposed above the first and second solar cells.
 7. The solarmodule of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tab-lessinterconnect is positioned in a diamond region between corners of thefirst and second solar cells.
 8. The solar module of claim 1, whereinthe anodized region comprises at least one color of white or black. 9.The solar module of claim 1, wherein the anodized region comprises acolor substantially the same as a color of a backsheet of the solarmodule.
 10. A solar module, comprising: first and second solar cellshaving front sides which face the sun during normal operation and backsides opposite the front sides; and an aluminum interconnect coupled tometal regions of the first and second solar cell, the metal regionslocated on the back sides, wherein the aluminum interconnect comprisesan anodized region located on an exposed region of the aluminuminterconnect between the first and second solar cell, the anodizedregion facing substantially the same direction as the front sides. 11.The solar module of claim 11, wherein the aluminum interconnect issubstantially planar with the metal regions.
 12. The solar module ofclaim 11, wherein the aluminum interconnect comprises at least one of anickel or zincate region.
 13. The solar module of claim 11, wherein theanodized region is an insulating region.
 14. The solar module of claim11, wherein the anodized region comprises at least one color of white orblack.
 15. The solar module of claim 11, wherein the anodized regioncomprises a color substantially the same as a color of a backsheet ofthe solar module.
 16. A solar module, comprising: a first and secondsolar cells having front sides which face the sun during normaloperation and back sides opposite the front sides; and a conductive foilcoupled to the back sides of both the first and second solar cell,wherein the conductive foil has an anodized region facing substantiallythe same direction as the front sides.
 17. The solar module of claim 16,wherein the conductive foil is substantially planar with the first andsecond solar cells.
 18. The solar module of claim 16, wherein theconductive foil comprises at least one of nickel or zincate.
 19. Thesolar module of claim 16, wherein the anodized region is an insulatingregion.
 20. The solar module of claim 16, wherein the anodized region issubstantially the same color as a backsheet of the solar module.